nas-untitled music reviews Virgin Media
Rap veteran produces staggering state-of-the-nation address
Nas's critical reputation has waxed and waned since his majestic 1994 debut Illmatic but this tremendous magnum opus restores his status as hip-hop's most visionary wordsmith. The self-titled set was originally to be called N.I.*.*.E.R. and while Nas may have drawn back from the confrontational and incendiary title, there has been no dimming of the white-hot rage at the music's core.
This is Nas's What's Goin' On; his baleful update on The Revolution Will Not Be Televised. Supremely erudite and articulate, he delivers beautifully literate critiques on urban stress (Breathe), institutional racism (America), Murdoch's pernicious news network (Sly Fox), and pimp culture (Project Roach, with the Last Poets), before letting in a glimmer of hope as he ponders the prospect of Barack Obama healing America's soul even as he mocks his "Yes, we can!" electioneering slogan in Black President. Throughout, Nas's visceral ire, lyrical cunning and grasp of the societal big picture indicate a masterful artist absolutely at the top of his game. Tremendous.
Also try:
Gil Scott-Heron: Winter in America
Public Enemy: It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back
Jay-Z: The Blueprint
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